Missouri American Water Announces New Hydration Station Grant Program to Expand Access to Clean Drinking Water

Rhea-AI Summary

Missouri American Water has launched a new Hydration Station Grant Program to enhance public access to safe drinking water and promote environmental stewardship. Grants will be available to nonprofit organizations and public institutions, aiding in the purchase of water bottle refilling stations and drinking fountains. Applications are open until May 13, 2022. This initiative aims to combat plastic waste, as 60 million plastic bottles are discarded daily in the U.S. Special focus will be given to underserved communities, tackling ongoing concerns about water access and environmental justice.

Positive

• Launch of Hydration Station Grant Program to enhance public access to drinking water.
• Focus on reducing plastic waste by installing refill stations.
• Special consideration for underserved communities highlighting social responsibility.

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• None.

ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today Missouri American Water announced its new Hydration Station Grant Program, which is designed to make safe and healthy hydration more accessible in public spaces while promoting environmental stewardship. Applications for this year’s grants will be accepted through May 13, 2022.

Puddles demonstrates Missouri American Water's new hydration station. (Photo: Business Wire)

The program provides grants to select nonprofit organizations and public institutions such as schools, parks and community centers to help purchase water bottle refilling stations and drinking fountains for indoor and outdoor use.

“Some organizations and public institutions can’t afford modern drinking fountains and bottle-filling stations that allow users to access safe, clean tap water on the go,” said Missouri American Water President Rich Svindland. “We're excited to help keep life flowing in the communities we serve by donating convenient and environmentally sustainable hydration stations.”

Roughly 60 million plastic bottles are not recycled and end up in landfills every day in the United States, according to the Container Recycling Institute. The hydration stations will help to reduce the number of single-use plastic bottles that end up in landfills and bodies of water.

"Every year our volunteers find thousands of single-use plastic bottles littering our region’s parks, rivers and streams. Water bottle refilling stations could really help reduce this environmental impact," said Bonnie Harper, Executive Director for the Open Space Council, a non-profit organization that organizes the Operation Clean Stream and Trash Bash events.

Special consideration will be given to applications from underserved communities.

"Lack of access to clean drinking water continues to be an ongoing environmental justice concern in Missouri," said Dr. Jessica Watson, Executive Director of the environmental nonprofit earthday365. "We at earthday365 are pleased to see this new grant that will hopefully expand access to water filling stations and simultaneously reduce plastic litter pollution in our watershed."

To be eligible, applicants must receive their tap water service from Missouri American Water. Religious organizations and individuals are not eligible. Grant recipients are responsible for ordering, installing, and maintaining the water bottle refilling units.

How To Apply: Visit our website at missouriamwater.com and click on the “News & Community” tab. Fill out the questionnaire by May 13, 2022 and provide the requested documentation. For questions, contact Megan Watson at Megan.Watson@amwater.com.

Missouri American Water

Missouri American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 1.5 million people. For more, visit missouriamwater.com and follow Missouri American Water on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

American Water

With a history dating back to 1886, American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs approximately 6,400 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and regulated-like drinking water and wastewater services to an estimated 14 million people in 24 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to help keep their lives flowing. For more, visit amwater.com and follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220405005834/en/

Samantha E. Williams

External Affairs Manager

314-437-8738

Samantha.williams@amwater.com

Source: Missouri American Water

FAQ

What is the Hydration Station Grant Program by Missouri American Water?

The Hydration Station Grant Program aims to improve access to safe drinking water in public spaces by funding water bottle refilling stations and drinking fountains.

When can organizations apply for the Hydration Station Grant?

Applications for the Hydration Station Grant are accepted until May 13, 2022.

Who is eligible to apply for the Hydration Station Grant Program?

Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and public institutions that receive tap water service from Missouri American Water.

What impact does the Hydration Station Grant aim to address?

The grant aims to tackle environmental concerns by reducing single-use plastic waste and improving access to clean drinking water.

How will the Hydration Station Grant Program benefit underserved communities?

The program prioritizes applications from underserved communities to enhance their access to safe drinking water.